Chapter 10 – The Call of Karips
In a forest, the man who had once been chained now rides a creature used by the dark elves as a mount. He flees from the west, heading toward the northern lands of Gíria.
Pale, with blade wounds covering his body, he lies on the creature's back, murmuring:
— Karips... I want Karips... I need her... I want Karips...
Even wounded and delirious, he continues his journey north.
---
Cut to... Northern Gíria
Morfios grips his sword and mounts his horse.
— Where are we going? — asks Seinal.
— We've lost all the warriors who stood beside us. The dark elves keep attacking... This can't go on. We must gather everyone who's still standing. We need to honor the deaths of our comrades — Morfios replies.
Seinal looks at him, grabs the reins confidently, and mounts with determination.
— In that case, let's do the impossible. Let's win this war and send those damn elves straight to hell.
— Then let's ride — says Morfios.
— Let's go!
They gallop off in search of allies and fighters.
During the ride, Morfios asks:
— Do you think this so-called Karips is still in the north?
Seinal replies, eyes fixed on the path ahead:
— Since she was sealed, no one has dared to go near her. So yes, I believe she's still there.
— I see... — murmurs Morfios.
---
Cut to... Northeastern Malonia
Kravons, Jack, Soleya, and Clara arrive on horseback at the city of Malonia. As they dismount, they find the place partially in flames, in ruins. There are wounded people, bodies scattered, and grieving families.
— What the hell happened here? — says Soleya, outraged.
— You think it was that creature? — Jack asks Clara.
With a distant and serious expression, Clara responds:
— I don't know. Maybe you should ask the people here, not me.
She walks away to tie her horse. Jack then turns to Soleya:
— Do you think she's okay?
— How should I know? I can't read minds — replies Soleya, irritated.
— Enough bickering, both of you — Kravons cuts in sharply.
He approaches an elderly man and asks:
— Sir, I'm looking for a sorcerer named Kareos. Do you know him?
— Yes, I do. After the attack, he fought bravely... but the forces of evil were overwhelming. He didn't survive.
— Are you sure it was him? — insists Kravons.
— Absolutely. I would never mistake that face — the old man replies, his voice worn by age.
Clara approaches, her eyes filled with anger and hurt. She stares at the old man coldly.
— Don't you ever get tired of this? Lying to people... especially to those who care about you the most?
— What are you saying, young lady? — the old man asks, confused.
— Clara, don't you see you're talking to an old man? — scolds Kravons.
— It's fine. People make mistakes too — says the old man.
— Are you going to apologize? — Kravons asks, growing impatient.
— Why would I? To someone who doesn't even recognize their own mistakes?
— That's enough, Clara. You've gone too far.
— Can you drop the act already, Kareos? — Clara snaps, staring directly at him.
Kravons' eyes widen.
— What did you say?
The old man then shifts form, revealing his true identity.
— Honestly... you always manage to recognize me, no matter what form I take. I should've known.
— So it was you this whole time? — says Kravons, stunned.
Kareos kneels before him.
— I'm sorry, Your Majesty. But yes, it's me... Kareos.
— Why did you do it? Can you at least give us a reason?
— I truly am sorry. But... why have you come here?
— We need your help once more. The entire kingdom needs you.
— I'll think about it. In the meantime, please, come inside. You must be tired.
Clara remains outside, watching the destruction around her. Kareos approaches.
— Aren't you coming in?
— I didn't come here to play house. Especially not with you. And just so you know, I never wanted to come. I'm only here because the king insisted.
— You have every reason to hate me. But if you'd only listen, I could explain why I had to do what I did...
— Then don't say anything. I don't need your justifications — Clara says coldly.
— Even so... I have my reasons to refuse His Majesty's request. I can't go back.
— That's none of my concern. Just tell him you won't help — she replies, turning away.
— When we sealed Karips... I was a different man. Since then, something inside me has changed. It's like something is slowly consuming me. Karips calls to me constantly... as if there's a bond between us.
— And is that why you changed your name to Kaleos?
— No... that's not the reason.
— Whatever. Just speak to His Majesty and decline.
---
Cut to... Northern Gíria
The fugitive from the west, exhausted, falls from the creature, which abandons him. With blurred vision, he murmurs:
— Karips... I want Karips... I need...
Meanwhile, Lion walks through the forest, searching for Nicia and Zury. Upon seeing the fallen man, he cautiously approaches:
— Hey, hey! Are you okay?
The man opens his eyes and looks at Lion.
— Who are you?
— You can call me Lion. I'm here to help. Come on, get up.
— Thank you... I'll accept your help.
— What's your name?
— Max. You can call me Max. That's my name.
Lion, surprised, repeats:
— You said... Max?
---
To be continued...